Cooper Flagg made history for the Dallas Mavericks with 42 points, but the youngster was unable to prevent defeat against the Utah Jazz. The Texans lost 140-133 in Salt Lake City after overtime.
It was the first game in which an 18-year-old scored at least 40 points, but it didn’t do the Mavericks much good. Flagg had an outstanding game with 42 points (13/27 FG, 15/20 FT), seven rebounds and six assists, but in the end even the top rookie ran out of steam. The Mavericks scored only four points in overtime and made only one of nine shots. Nevertheless, Flagg scored from all positions against Utah and carried the Mavericks that evening. With his 42 points, the 18-year-old replaced LeBron James as the youngest 40-point scorer of all time.
Utah, on the other hand, came back from an eight-point deficit in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter, with Flagg missing twice from the free throw line. The Jazz led 129-126 with 14 seconds left on the clock after a jumper by Lauri Markkanen, but after Flagg missed a free throw, Max Christie was there for an offensive rebound, was fouled, and sent the game into overtime with two converted free throws.
Mavericks miss out on play-in spot
Markkanen (33, 11/23 FG, 16 rebounds) and Keyonte George (37, 11/20) were the standout players for the Jazz. Dallas, meanwhile, were without Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with a calf injury. In addition to Flagg, P.J. Washington (25) also had a good game, while playmaker Ryan Nembhard (14, 11 assists) recorded a double-double. Klay Thompson (12) contributed four three-pointers coming off the bench.
The Mavericks had previously won five of six games and, with this defeat, miss out on a place in the play-in spots. Instead, the Jazz are there with a record of 10-15. Dallas now hosts the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while Utah continues against the Los Angeles Lakers on the same day.
